show me the money! Your best ATM options in Las Vegas
Casinos have made accessing your money easy, but it can come at a hefty cost. Recently, MGM Resorts announced they were raising its ATM fees again - with fees in some cases running $10 dollars or more. Here are some tips and tricks for avoiding those excessive fees and finding the best ATM options in Las Vegas.
Tip #1 – Know your Bank
Some banks will reimburse your out-of-network ATM fees! But keep in mind that this is usually not unlimited. Some banks have a capped dollar amount, while others have a certain number of transactions. Be sure to check any ATM benefits you may have with your bank before your trip.
Avoid checking your balance at the ATM. In most cases, this is considered a transaction and will incur a fee, so check your balance using your bank’s app or website instead.
Tip #2 – Withdraw Larger Amounts
Each time you use the ATM you are charged a fee. Instead of making several smaller withdrawals, consider making one larger withdrawal to avoid paying fees multiple times.
Use the in-room safe to keep your cash and valuables protected. Some people also bring envelopes and place each day’s cash into an envelope, so they don’t overspend on any one day.
Tip #3 – Use Non-traditional Cash Withdrawal Options
An ATM is not the only place you can withdraw money from your checking account. Grocery stores and big box retail stores allow you to get cash back with a purchase, usually for no fee!
There is a Target located on the Las Vegas Strip across from MGM’s Park Hotel & Casino. You can get $40 cash back per day with a pin-based debit card for no fee.
Tip #4 – Use a bank branch location
There are several advantages to withdrawing cash directly from your bank. First, if you do it during business hours, there is no pre-determined limit (except the balance of your account). There is no fee to withdraw at the counter and you can get bills in the denomination of your choice.
There is one self-service bank on the Las Vegas Strip – Capital One. It is in the Capital One Café at Fashion Show Mall. They offer free ATM withdrawals for members and non-members only pay a $3 fee.
Tip #5 – Use In-Network ATMs
Be sure to visit your bank’s website to find in-network ATMs. Credit Unions often partner with ATMs that can be found inside convenience stores, like the Allpoint ATM network that can be found inside Walgreens and CVS stores.
Bank of America has an ATM location on the Las Vegas Strip on the 4th floor of M&M World. BOA also has an ATM downtown inside Las Vegas City Hall.
While some places in Las Vegas have gone completely cashless, there are times when you may still need it! Don’t get caught in a situation where you have to pay to get your own money out - use these tips instead to get what you need when you need it on your next Vegas family vacation.